The Ciaron Maher-trained Sergeant Major ($6.50) has made every post a winner to claim the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, holding off the fast-finishing Nostringsattached ($3.50) to secure his first Australian win on The Championships Day 2.
The New Zealand import has been consistent without winning since his arrival, catching the eye second-up behind Autumn Glow in the Listed Darby Munro Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on March 22, suggesting the son of Proisir was nearing a win.
That turned out to be the case on Saturday as Melbourne-based hoop Ethan Brown took all luck out of the equation, launching to the front from barrier three in the early stages.
Fearless () was sent forward to sit to his outside as Tom Marquand looked to offset gate 13, while the well-supported Meridiana () was sent towards the rear of the field, poised to get the last crack at her rivals.
Sergeant Major was quick to drop his rivals with 400m left to travel, with Nostringattached held up briefly before exploding in the final furlong, while Interjection ($26) was putting in the big strides late to ensure a grandstand finish.
It was Sergeant Major getting the verdict in the end, however, with the $200,000 feature heading the way of the Melbourne-based stable.
Ciaron Maher was on track at Randwick to break down the win.
“Great job by the team,” said Maher.
“He’s a horse that’s always shown really good ability. The team found another nice horse over in New Zealand and I think we’ll just continue on the path of a few of his fellow New Zealander’s.
“Each prep he’ll just get better. Beautiful ride by Browny (Ethan Brown), took luck out of it and took the race by the scruff, very good and I can’t thank the team enough.
“We’ll just assess his performance today, as I said, I always thought he’d be a horse better in time, but there is a big race up there (Stradbroke) you do get a light weight as a three-year-old, so we’ll see how we go.”
Ethan Brown then spoke post-race.
“Impressive horse, very impressive horse,” said Brown.
“It’s always good to kick-off the day on this note.
“He’s a horse that’s improved every start this prep, but I feel today he’s improved again, especially up to the 1400m.
“I was very impressed with his turn of foot and going forward he’s certainly one to follow.”
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